Forever Hidden (The Treasures of Nome Book #1)

By Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse

For Havyn Powell, growing up on her grandfather Chuck Bondrant's dairy outside the 1904 gold-rush boomtown of Nome, Alaska, offered all she needed. She had the love of her mother, two sisters, and grandfather. But now, at 23, Havyn realizes the stability of her life may soon vanish. Havyn is determined to find a way to keep the family together, but her grandfather's health is declining and everyone seems to be holding secrets from each other, including the handsome, dark-haired stranger who recently arrived.

John Roselli arrives in Nome looking for a steady, consistent job. He has grown tired of the promises of getting rich quick and just wants an honest job with honest pay. His grandfather once knew a Chuck Bondrant, and so when John arrives at the dairy, he's quickly offered a job--and a path to more if he wants it.

Havyn's plan for helping out the family means using her beautiful singing voice and her sisters' musical talent at a local roadhouse. They're an immediate hit, and it looks like her plan will be a success. But the spotlight brings with it dangerous eyes that covet Havyn and are jealous as she and John grow ever closer. But will they realize the peril before it's too late?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
• Release date: Jan 7, 2020
• ISBN: 9781493422814

Tracie Peterson

Tracie Peterson (TraciePeterson.com) is the bestselling author of more than one hundred novels, both historical and contemporary, with nearly six million copies sold. She has won the ACFW Lifetime Achievement Award and the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award. Her avid research resonates in her many bestselling series. Tracie and her family make their home in Montana.

Book preview

Books by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse

All Things Hidden

Beyond the Silence

THE TREASURES OF NOME

Forever Hidden

THE HEART OF ALASKA

In the Shadow of Denali

Out of the Ashes

Under the Midnight Sun

Books by Tracie Peterson

BROOKSTONE BRIDES

When You Are Near

Wherever You Go

What Comes My Way

GOLDEN GATE SECRETS

In Places Hidden

In Dreams Forgotten

In Times Gone By

HEART OF THE FRONTIER

Treasured Grace

Beloved Hope

Cherished Mercy

SAPPHIRE BRIDES

A Treasure Concealed

A Beauty Refined

A Love Transformed

BRIDES OF SEATTLE

Steadfast Heart

Refining Fire

Love Everlasting

For a complete list of titles, visit www.traciepeterson.com.

© 2020 by Peterson Ink, Inc. and Kimberley Woodhouse

Published by Bethany House Publishers

11400 Hampshire Avenue South

Bloomington, Minnesota 55438

www.bethanyhouse.com

Bethany House Publishers is a division of

Baker Publishing Group, Grand Rapids, Michigan

www.bakerpublishinggroup.com

Ebook edition created 2020

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—for example, electronic, photocopy, recording—without the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

ISBN 978-1-4934-2281-4

Scripture quotations are from the King James Version of the Bible.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, incidents, and dialogues are products of the authors’ imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to any person, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Cover design by Jennifer Parker

Cover photography by Mike Habermann Photography, LLC

Kimberley Woodhouse is represented by The Steve Laube Agency.

To Miss B (otherwise known as Miss B Havyn). Keep singing, beautiful girl. I miss seeing you every week for lessons, but it’s a privilege to watch you blossom and grow from afar. (Thank goodness for the technology of today!) Oh, make sure you do the monkey exercise . . . at least once a day. For me.

And to Monica and Merle Powell, precious friends and an amazing couple. Thank you for allowing us to make fictional characters out of your girls. It has been so much fun. Although, we could never capture how amazing they really are! Keep on keepin’ on—we cherish your friendship.

And to Chuck and Diane Bundrant. What an absolute privilege it is to know you and call you friends. Thank you for your generous spirits and love for people. You’ve touched thousands of lives.

To God be the glory!

Contents

Cover

Half Title Page

Books by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse

Title Page

Copyright Page

Dedication

Dear Reader

Prologue

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

Epilogue

A Note from the Authors

Acknowledgments

About the Authors

Back Ads

Back Cover

Dear Reader

This series began with three beautiful young ladies whose cinnamon-colored hair and dark brown eyes stirred us to create stories to match their spirits. Whitney, Havyn, and Madysen Powell were my (Kim’s) piano and voice students. In January of 2017, they came to one of our book events, so excited that not only did I know the amazing Tracie Peterson, but we wrote books together. Tracie was completely captivated by my girls and told me that someone had to write stories about them. The idea was born and we ran with it.

In researching our next locale for this series, I came across some historical pictures from Nome. A few in particular were of the Nome Dairy and Poultry Yard. Inspiration struck when I saw a picture of a man with a yoke over his shoulders, two pails of milk dangling, with walls of snow around him that rose in height above his head. On top of the snow, a chicken appeared in mid stride. It cracked me up. I had chickens when we lived in the country in Colorado. I loved those girls. And yes, they all had names. In fact, the mom of one of my piano students made a sign for my chicken house with all of their names. Check out my blog for pictures.

Apparently, I am not the type in most people’s minds to have chickens. So Kim’s chicken adventure amused my husband and my friends. Jeremy would often find me out there feeding them and carrying on conversations. (Don’t judge. Yes, I talked to my chickens. Yes, they chattered back. One followed me around like a puppy, always at my heels.) I even had a wonderful lady bring me a chicken at a large women’s event I spoke at—and much to Kayla’s shock, I drove all the way from Nebraska back to Colorado with the chicken in the car.

Needless to say, all the chicken stories in this series will be based on real events from Kim’s crazy time of having chickens. And one even from my dad. Well, my grandmother always told me the story. And made sure I saw the chicken grave. Every time we visited. Tracie also made me chicken pillows. I should post pictures of those too.

While Whitney, Havyn, and Madysen are named after the real girls, please remember they are fictional characters. But if you ever get the chance to hear the real-life Powell girls sing or play, you should take it. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

As always, Tracie and I find it an absolute joy and privilege to bring you another story. Thank you for reading. For praying. For investing in us.

Enjoy the journey,

Kimberley and Tracie

Prologue

Cripple Creek, Colorado—1891

Your husband is . . . well . . . he’s gone. Chuck Bundrant bit the inside of his cheek after he gave the news to his daughter. I’m sorry, Melissa." It was necessary to tell her the news, but the apology left a bitter taste in his mouth. The truth about Christopher Powell was much worse than Chuck would ever tell his girl, but at least it was over and done now. While he hated to see Melly hurt, what coursed through him was more than just relief. Gratitude and joy were the first words to come to mind.

His son-in-law had been a constant thorn in his side.

Chris . . . is dead? Melly blinked several times and half sat, half fell into the chair behind her. But . . . what . . . ? What happened? Can I see him?

I’m sorry. No. He’s already been buried. He was beyond recognition. I’d hate for you to see him like that.

She took a deep breath and put a hand to her mouth. After several moments, she lowered her hand and looked him in the eye. What will we do?

You don’t need to worry about it. I’ll take care of everything. Sighing, he touched her shoulder as he looked out the window to the snowy landscape around them. Down the hill, he could see men with wheelbarrows hauling rocks out of his mine. The clanking of picks and shovels echoed through the mining camp. Why don’t you and the girls move in with me? You spend most of your time here anyway, around the piano.

Her chin lifted and he got a glimpse of his strong and independent daughter. "I appreciate that, but I can’t do that to you. When we’re here, it’s for the girls’ lessons. And you’re never here during that time. I don’t think you realize what it would be like to have us around at all hours. The girls are rambunctious . . . playing their instruments or singing . . . all the time. You’d never have any peace. Besides, I can’t expect you to take care of us . . ." Melissa used her hands as she spoke—a normal habit for her whenever an instrument wasn’t in them. But her frantic movements now and the speed of her words showed her distress.

A fact that made him feel even more of a horrible father than when he couldn’t control his son-in-law’s actions. Was he doing the right thing? It wasn’t like he could change the course of events now. "You’re my daughter, and your three precocious redheads are my granddaughters. Who, I might add, bring joy to my life every day. I know quite well how energetic and . . . loud they are. They keep me young." His words seemed to go unheard. She just turned her face to look out the window.

It’s not supposed to be this way.

The words were hushed. Her hands still.

He started to make a retort about the no-good man she’d married, but when her shoulders slumped, it pricked his heart. By the look of her, shock had settled in. Why was Christopher’s death so hard for her to believe? Didn’t she know her husband for who he was? Or was he that good of an actor? Of course it wasn’t supposed to be this way. Couples were supposed to grow old together and raise their children in loving homes. In a normal marriage situation, that would be true. But theirs?

Chuck had thought for sure the news would bring her a bit of relief. After all, she’d never again have to deal with a husband coming home drunk. Or worry that he would gamble away all their money. But watching Melissa now . . .

He’d thought wrong.

He’d been so focused on his own distaste for the lowlife that he’d let himself forget who his daughter was at the core of her being. She’d always had a heart for people, always believed there was good in them. When she eloped with the rogue all those years ago, she’d raved about what a good man Christopher Powell was deep down.

Chuck knew better the minute he met Christopher. He’d seen him for what he was: a gambler. A drunk. A man who made a habit of coming to his father-in-law for money to cover his debts. At family gatherings, Christopher always put on a show. Cleaned up real nice. Showered Melissa with attention. Knew how to talk the talk of society.

Of course, if Chuck was honest . . . he’d put on as much of a show himself. Pretending to like the man his daughter had married. All to keep the girls happy. The façade had become a way of life. But the girls were sharp as tacks . . . surely they had noticed their father’s behavior or heard the rumors of Christopher’s exploits around town?

No. They’d never given any indication of it. All they ever showed was adoration for their father.

Melissa stared out the window, still and quiet. And then she looked at Chuck. The depth of emotion in her eyes moved across the room like waves that rushed over him, threatening to swallow him up. Guilt filled his gut. Rather than the take-charge, everything-is-in-hand father he wanted to be, the moment—and even the future—seemed out of his control. She turned back to the window without saying a word.

One thing was clear.

His daughter needed his comfort.

He sat on the ottoman in front of her and listened to the rhythm of tools clanking against rock in the distance. The sound had always been soothing to him in the past. Now, it felt like a hammer to his chest. Pounding over and over that he’d failed. My darling girl, I’m . . . He swallowed. I’m sorry for your loss.

The words pulled her attention from the window. A sheen of tears covered her eyes. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to get over this, Papa. The drops escaped and slipped down her cheeks.

Leaning forward, he took her hands and clasped them in his.

Lord, I need Your help. Your compassion. Give me the words . . .

"When I lost your mother, I thought I would die right along with her. But God had me here for an important reason. That reason was you. I had to be both parents to you and help you grieve the loss of your mother. You had so much talent oozing from your fingertips that the only thing I could figure was to give you more lessons. More instruments. With every teacher I could find. So every day, we traveled from one teacher to the next, filling our days with music. Music helped you heal . . . it helped me too. In more ways than you can imagine. Memories of those years brought a rush of feelings he couldn’t distinguish because he’d tried to lock away the death of his beloved. I can’t take the pain and hurt of this loss away, but I can be here for you. We’ll get through it. Just like we did before. Together."

She sniffed and pulled one of her hands away to wipe at her cheeks as she gave a slight nod.

Time to steer the conversation in a different direction. Take the reins of the situation back and encourage her that everything would be fine. Christopher was no longer part of the equation. Melissa would grieve. The girls would too. But they’d be back to normal soon enough. In the meantime, Chuck would have to be their strength, hold them together, comfort them, and take care of things. Something his son-in-law had never done.

I still think it’s for the best that you and the girls move in with me. I won’t take no for an answer. He managed a smile.

The expression on her face was one of resignation. But, Papa . . . once I married, you were relieved of your duty to take care of me. This isn’t fair to you. Her voice drifted to a soft murmur as she looked away. It wasn’t supposed to be this way. The repeat of her statement, and the depth of pain in her voice, made his hands fist. He wanted to throttle Christopher, but that wasn’t possible. How could the ne’er-do-well have thrown away his family like he had? All for what? Gambling? Other women?

He closed his eyes against the last thought. Melissa would never find that out. Not as long as he lived and breathed.

But he needed to help her understand the reality. "Melissa, I’ve been taking care of you behind the scenes for years whether or not it was my duty. So of course I’m going to continue to do that. There was nothing to relieve me of . . . I’ll never cease being your father. The mine is doing very well and I’m by myself, tinkering around this large house."

She snapped her attention back to him, her brow furrowed. "What do you mean taking care of me behind the scenes? Melissa grabbed the armrests as her eyes narrowed. You don’t mean . . . no . . . Christopher would never do that. . . ."

He let understanding come to fruition in her mind. He was so tired of all the lies and his daughter continuing to believe that Chris would somehow, one day, miraculously change.

She straightened. "I take it from your silence that yes, he did. I can’t believe it. He lied to me. Over and over again."

Emotions played across her face as Chuck watched it all sink in. Disbelief turned to shock.

"I knew he had a gambling problem, but he tried to overcome it. At least he said he did. And it seemed he’d get better for a while and he’d be home more . . . and he told me that he paid the bills. We didn’t have much, but, Papa, he treated me like a queen—even when he was drunk, he never got mean." Coming to her feet, she balled her fists at her sides and paced the room, jaw set and firm. The fire was back in her eyes.

So. She’d moved from shock to anger.

She shook her head as she paced. Let me get this straight. . . . Christopher’s been coming to you for money? For how long?

At last, the truth was coming out. But he couldn’t triumph in that fact the way he’d thought he would. It was causing his girl too much pain. Since the week after you married.

A sharp gasp caused her to cough. Things weren’t great, but I would never have dreamed that . . . She lifted her chin and pulled a handkerchief out of her sleeve to wipe at her nose and eyes. I know how much you disapproved of him at the beginning, but I loved him. Knew that he had so much potential . . . She sniffed. What am I supposed to do now? I don’t have any way to support myself and the girls. She turned away and looked out the window again. After several moments, her shoulders stiffened and she looked back at him. It seems you were right all those years ago, and I should have listened. With slow steps, she headed back to her chair and sat.

He’d ached to hear those words, but they brought little joy. It doesn’t matter now. And it brings me no pleasure to be correct on this. If only he could take away the pain he saw in her face.

Dipping her chin, she drew a deep breath. I suppose I should tell you that his creditors have been coming by the house for several weeks now. When she looked back up at him, her lips formed a thin line. I haven’t wanted to say anything because Chris said he’d take care of it. As much as I hate to inconvenience you, now I need to ask for your help with that too. Her eyes darted down to the hankie in her lap.

A deep pink color tinged her face and ears. It made Chuck wish he’d punched Christopher Powell in the face at some point over the past fifteen years for the obvious pain and embarrassment he’d caused Melissa. The one good thing the man had ever done was give them Whitney, Havyn, and Madysen. Chuck was glad the man was out of their lives. But he couldn’t say that right now. No need. I’ve already paid off his debts.

But how did you . . . ?

It doesn’t matter. I took care of it. He’s buried. You can move on. He cringed as soon as the words left his mouth. Even though he’d been thinking it, he never should’ve said it out loud.

Move on? Isn’t that a bit callous? The look she gave him stabbed him in the heart. "Flaws and all, I still loved Chris. And how exactly am I supposed to move on? I just found out that my husband is dead! Her voice rose in pitch. I have three girls that need raising. And now it will be without their father—who they adored. The man that I loved. Hurt, anger, and fear all resided in her gaze. And my girls . . . She took another deep breath. This loss will not be easy on them. On top of that, they need education, food, clothing. Good heavens, we live in a mining town. It was all right as long as Chris was attempting to be a miner, but now . . . I don’t know. I don’t think Cripple Creek is the right environment for the girls. How can we possibly stay here?"

Blast Christopher! What a predicament he’d left them all in. "Where are you going to go? Your husband never amounted to anything. You should have told him to get a job and work if you didn’t want to live in a mining town, where all he did was drink and gamble away the hours rather than actually do the hard work of a miner. And before you say another word about raising the girls in a mining town, please remember that my livelihood has provided for you the entire course of your life, and I happen to have a very successful mine here. We’ve always been successful, from the Black Hills Gold Rush until now."

Her eyes grew wide. I’m so sorry, Papa, I didn’t mean . . . Her voice cracked. That sounded so ungrateful of me.

Oh, why did he say all that? This wasn’t about him or his pride. It was about taking care of his daughter. Chuck sighed. I’m sorry, Melly. I never should have said those things. Swiping a hand down his face, he clenched and unclenched his hands. My frustration with your husband all these years was hard to keep shoved down.

Melissa’s face had gone pale. She licked her lips. I’m sorry too. I didn’t mean to insult the hard work that you’ve always done, Papa. It’s just . . . I never saw the ugly side of mining until Chris . . . that is, I never had a problem with you mining or living in a mining town until Chris started at it and failed. I don’t know what I feel. Every negative remark I’ve ever heard about miners and mining towns has rushed to the surface—like it’s my fault that I chose to raise my children in this. I probably should’ve stood up to him about staying here, but I have to admit that it was a comfort knowing that you were here. She held up a hand. Not that I expected you to have to do what Chris asked of you, but having family around made me feel secure. I loved my husband . . . believed him when he said he was taking care of things. I simply can’t believe he’s gone. A sob shook her shoulders.

Oh, Melly. This isn’t the time to be speaking of such things with you just getting the news about Chris.

I didn’t realize everything Chris had done. . . . I guess he had too many vices. She shook her head and swiped at her eyes. I can’t believe I was so blind.

Don’t beat yourself up over this. Give yourself time to grieve. It would take a lot for her to heal, especially if she found out the whole truth. And she did have a point. In fact . . .

The more he thought about it, moving away had a great appeal. I understand it’s hard to stay here. But for right now, this is where we are. How about we make a deal?

She narrowed her eyes. What kind of a deal?

If you agree to stay here for a bit, I’ll look into selling the mine and finding us another place to call home.

For a moment she looked like a little girl again, wanting her daddy’s approval. You’d do that for me?

I’d do anything for you and the girls. I hope you know that.

Her lips made a thin line. Either she was trying to control her emotions, or she was still perturbed with him. "That’s a deal I can agree to. I appreciate all you’ve done for us over the years, but I would prefer not to raise the girls here. That doesn’t mean that I want to take you away from your livelihood. We’ve done just fine in different mining areas over the years. I just don’t want to stay here, where everyone will remember Chris for his failings. As the girls get older, I don’t want them hearing things . . ."

Of course she didn’t. He should have thought of that. Chuck nodded. Perhaps we can head north. I hear there’s some beautiful country yet to be discovered.

Thanks, Papa. She stood and twisted the handkerchief in her hands. I think I need to lie down for a while and figure out how to break this to the girls. Would you keep an eye on them for a bit until I’m ready? Leaning down, she kissed him on the cheek.

Of course.

Melly walked out of the room, the weight of the world appearing to rest on her shoulders. This whole conversation had been harder than he’d expected. But then, he hadn’t thought it all through. He’d been thinking of himself. What a relief it would be to him. How this would affect him.

Getting to his feet, he wandered to the window in the kitchen area. When he’d come home to give his daughter the news, a neighbor’s wife had been having tea with Melly and the girls. He’d asked the woman to take the girls outside.

As he gazed out the window, he smiled at the girls tramping around in the snow, their cheeks pink and faces full of smiles. Completely unaware of the news their mother would share with them later.

How would they take it?

Whitney, as the oldest, would try to hold her tears back . . . but then she would take the other two under her wing. Like she always did. Havyn adored her father, at least from what Chuck had observed, but she had a good head on her shoulders and would be strong for her mother and sisters. Madysen, though . . .

She was the one he worried about the most. At seven years old, she was also the most tenderhearted of the three.

The girls’ laughter drifted to him. If only there were an easier way for his dear granddaughters. But there wasn’t. What was done was done. With a tap to the windowsill, he made a decision.

Tomorrow, he’d put the word out that the mine was for sale. Melissa was correct—the sooner they left Cripple Creek, the better.

One

Thirteen Years Later

Nome, Alaska—April 1904

Guiding the bow over the strings, Havyn Powell played the final run in Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto in D Major. Her fingers flew over the fingerboard as she raced to the end of the piece she’d worked on for the past three years. As the last notes resounded from her violin, Granddad stood to his feet in the parlor and clapped. Even though they were alone, she couldn’t help but let a smile bubble up and spread across her face. She took a deep curtsy as Granddad continued to applaud.

She’d finally conquered the great piece!

Magnificent, my dear. Absolutely magnificent! He came to her side and put his hands on her shoulders. I believe you’ve mastered it.

Truly? Praise from Granddad came on a daily basis. But this? This was different. He knew how important this piece was to her. She couldn’t hold back her exuberance as her heart pounded in her chest. Bouncing on her toes, she clutched the violin to her chest. Do you think Mother will be pleased?

"Absolutely, and won’t she be surprised? He tucked his thumbs behind his suspenders and looked as proud as her prized rooster. She’ll never guess that you’ve prepared such a piece for her birthday. Now if only we had one of those big bands—"

Orchestras.

Yes, one of those. He pointed at her and winked. To play the part that backs you up. Not that you need anyone to back you up. You sound splendid.

Havyn laid her bow and violin on the piano bench in their large parlor. The sun sparkled off the snow outside

Reviews for Forever Hidden (The Treasures of Nome Book #1)

[virginia51-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book has so much in it. I love the descriptions of Alaska. They almost make me want to brave the weather there. I love the characters. I laughed and cried throughout. Havyn and her family go through many trials and then they meet up with John who helps them through so much. This story is fantastic and I can’t wait to read book two in this series. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

[kris_anderson-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Forever Hidden by Tracie Peterson and Kimberly Woodhouse is the first novel in The Treasures of Nome series. Forever Hidden is a well-written novel that is rich with history and developed characters. I thought the authors captured the time period and the locale. The descriptions of Nome were beautiful (made me want to visit). The three Powell sisters are so talented. Whitney, Havyn, and Madysen each play an instrument. The three women have varying personalities. Whitney, the eldest, is strong willed, independent, opinionated, plays the piano, and is good with sled dogs. Madysen, the youngest, plays the cello, has a sweet personality, but is absentminded. Havyn, the middle sister, plays the violin, a good listener, loves her chickens, and the secret keeper of the family. Forever Hidden is Havyn’s story as she works to bring in money to keep the farm afloat, helps care for her grandfather, and gets to know John Roselli. I like how faith is intertwined into the story. Faith plays a vital role in each of the main characters lives. It is a part of who they are which shines through the pages of the book. I enjoyed reading Forever Hidden. There is quite a bit happening in the story from the grandfather’s illness, John arriving in town, Havyn’s chickens, Judas Reynold’s and his conniving, the new doctor in town, Madysen and the sheep, and so much more. It is enjoyable to read a story that can make you laugh and cry. It is an enriching story and I am eager for the next tale in The Treasures of Nome series. Forever Hidden is an emotional story that will touch your heart.

[lamb521 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Title: Forever Hidden (The Treasures of Nome ##1)Author: Tracie Peterson & Kimberly WoodhousePages: 368Year: 2020Publisher: BethanyMy rating: 5 out of 5 starsI always enjoy tales set in Alaska; it seems like such a beautiful place! Readers will enjoy the beautiful scenery described, the mystery involved and the three red-headed young ladies who are at the center of the novel. We meet their mother, Melissa Powell, as she raises three daughters in the rugged land and uses their musical talents to the glory of God. The daughters are named Whitney, Havyn and Madysen and are as unique as the spelling of their names.Each of the girls have special talents, tender hearts, fiery tempers and a love of animals! In Forever Hidden, the story centers around Havyn. Her heart for chickens and the Lord is quite evident. The story captured the heart of this reader when the authors tied together themes of family, faith, health and love. The grandfather takes care of his daughter and three granddaughters after the death of the husband. When the grandfather’s heath begins to decline, a young man is hired on as foreman. While the women don’t know the young man, the grandfather knows exactly who he is and how just maybe he is an answer to prayer.There were times while reading I found my heart filled with laughter and other times touched by the hardship this fictional family endured. I found the faith exhibited by the family and the foreman written in a way that made it seem real even when tragedy struck. These characters weren’t immune to trouble or heartbreak, but through those times their faith helped carry each member.The girl’s names and the explanation as to why they are spelled the way they are was really interesting to me. The romance that begins when John is hired as a foreman along with his background tale added a special touch the tale. I was born with asthma so when one of the players in the book is diagnosed with it, I was able to immediately understand and feel the trial when episodes occurred.The book seems to leave some questions that arose in my mind as I read unanswered, so I look forward to reading the other books in the series as they are released. This was a very entertaining and thought-provoking story, so don’t miss the wonder that awaits!Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility.